About the Course

What is Acupuncture?

The power of acupuncture to restore the health of body and mind is increasingly recognised throughout the western world. Acupuncture has an extraordinary ability to change people’s lives. It works by releasing blockages to the body’s “qi”. Qi is energy, or the “life force”, which flows through energy pathways in the body. Modern research suggests that qi may be a form of bio-electricity.

Acupuncture works on a deep level to help patients recover their physical and mental harmony. Acupuncture is becoming ever more popular in the UK, and opportunities for both independent practice and within the NHS are growing all the time. Acupuncture is viewed very positively by the House of Lords Committee, the British Medical Association, and the World Health Organisation.

Why Study Acupuncture with The CNM?

The CNM Acupuncture Diploma Course provides high quality training that equips graduates to build highly successful practices. It is carefully structured so each study unit builds on the previous one, allowing students to develop their confidence and skills, and reach their full potential as professional Acupuncturists. Students are strongly encouraged to develop their own unique style of consultation and application.

The Regulation of Acupuncture

In the UK, the Department of Health is expected to create a statutory register of practitioners within about three years. In order to use the title “acupuncturist”, therapists will have to be on the register. CNM is fully committed to gaining accreditation for its acupuncture graduates, which would allow them to practice legally within the UK. CNM has gained stage one accreditation with the British Acupuncture Accreditation Board (subject to certain conditions).

Prerequisites

5 GCSEs or 2 A Levels, or equivalent academic and/or work experience.

If you are able to demonstrate previous study or work experience you may apply to gain exemptions from some units. Please contact us for more information and to see if you qualify for direct enrolment.

Biomedicine Study

Duration - 1 year.

• Medical terminology, cells, tissues, embryology
• Anatomy, physiology, pathology
• Clinical diagnostic, differential diagnosis
• Blood-urine analysis, examination methods
• Infectious Diseases

Naturopathy Study

Duration - 1 year.

• Toxicity, Detoxification, Cleansing
• Fasting, Diet, Nutrition
• Bach Flower Therapy
• Introduction to Homeopathy
• Introduction to Herbal Medicine
• Tissue Salts
• Naturopathy

Naturopathic Practical

Duration - 1 year.

• Chinese diagnostic
• Face
• Tongue
• Pulse
• Nail
• Abdominal Diagnostic
• Ear Acupuncture
• Introduction to Acupuncture
• Cause of disease and pathogenic energies
• Important Acupuncture points
• Specific effects of needle stimulation
• Examination methods and diagnostic rules
• Iridology
• History of Iridology
• Technique of Examination
• Topography of the Iris
• Constitution, Disposition and Diathesis
• Pupil Phenomena
• Study of the signs
• Study of pigments
• Prescriptions

Acupuncture

Duration: 2 years, 2 weekends per month, plus 2 sets of 10 days during the 2-year course.

TCM Theory I and II

These two Units give an understanding of the basic concepts of Chinese medicine, including yin/ yang, qi, five elements, causes of illness (including diet, emotions, stress, climate). They give a fresh and revealing insight into the forces which shape our lives.

Chinese Diagnosis

This Unit teaches the subtle Chinese methods of diagnosis, including pulse palpation, tongue observation, taking a case history, observation of body posture and colours. These unique diagnostic methods allow the formation of an accurate and precise diagnosis, which identifies the root cause of illnesses, and allows the development of a treatment plan.

Practical Techniques

As well as becoming confident in acupuncture, students learn other related techniques, such as moxibustion (burning a herb over certain points), vacuum cupping (to release toxins) and electro acupuncture.

Disease Differentiation

In Chinese medicine there is a saying “one disease, many patterns”. This means that everyone who comes in is seen as an individual, with a unique pattern of imbalance. For any one disease, there are usually a number of different causes. For example, asthma may be due to a kidney weakness, a lung weakness, or “phlegm”. This Unit allows students to differentiate the causes of a wide variety of common diseases seen in clinic, including digestive problems, gynaecology, nervous system disorders, musculo – skeletal problems, breathing problems, and mental - emotional problems.

Point Location

This Unit allows students to locate acupuncture points with ease and confidence. At CNM we encourage students to “tune in” to the points, to feel the quality of energy in them. This helps refine the diagnosis.

Clinical Practice

There is one Unit of clinical observation, and four Units of clinical practice. This provides 400 hours of clinical experience, after which students should be confident to take control of treatments of a very wide range of disorders.

Practitioner Development and Ethics

This Unit helps students focus on setting up and maintain a thriving practice. It helps CNM graduates to build the support systems they need to reach their full potential as acupuncturists, and keeps them abreast of regulatory developments in the acupuncture world.

Research and Dissertation

This Unit will teach research methods, so students can identify best practice, and most effective techniques. Students will be supported in writing a dissertation.

• Introduction
• Yin Yang theory
• Causes of diseases
• Five elements
• Eight Principals
• Meridians
• Pathology Diagnostic
• Differential Diagnostic
• Pulse Diagnostic
• Tongue Diagnostic
• Case taking and follow up
• Point location
• Needle techniques
• Cupping
• Moxabustion
• Bodywork techniques
• Qi Kung
• Respiratory System
• Urogenital System
• Digestive System
• Cardiovascular System
• Pain, Headaches
• Skin problems
• Practice management

Diploma

• Dip. Acupuncture
• Dip. Naturopathy

Study Programme and Locations

Options

• Full time, weekends, weekdays and evenings (London only)
• Part time, weekends (all colleges - London, Bristol, Brighton, Birmingham, Manchester, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Belfast)
• At this time, Specialist courses are held in London only

Intake Dates

Typically, students enrol for the Autumn (Oct) and Spring (Feb) semesters. However, since our Biomedicine and Naturopathy courses are built around a modular system, new students can join a course throughout the year.

Examples

Depending on your study schedule, the diploma courses can be completed in 3 to 6 years.

Full time study

• Year 1: Biomedicine, Naturopathy Study and Naturopathic Practical
• Years 2 and 3: Specialist training (Acupuncture, Nutrition, Herbal Medicine or Homeopathy)

Part time study

• Year 1: Biomedicine
• Year 2: Naturopathy Study
• Year 3: Naturopathic Practical
• Years 4 and 5: Specialist training (Acupuncture, Nutrition, Herbal Medicine or Homeopathy)

Our course advisors are here to help you create a schedule that suits your needs - contact us for information.

Cost

Please contact our registration advisors for exact course pricing, discounts, and financing options.

Recognition

Acupuncture Training

Recognised by the BCMA (British Complementary Medicine Association). The CNM is working towards full accreditation with the BAAB, who regulate the teaching of acupuncture in the UK and has passed stage one.

Naturopathy Training

The Naturopathy training is recognised by the ANP (Association of Naturopathic Practitioners).

How to Apply

We advise you to first contact us and discuss your personal needs and goals. We can then assist you in tailoring a study schedule that suits your lifestyle and commitments. Our course advisors are knowledgable, friendly, and deal with students from all walks of life - please call us at +44 (0)1342 410 505, use our contact form, or email info@naturopathy-uk.com.

• Contact us now for more information >>

Admissions Contact

Lynne Ott
info@naturopathy-uk.com
+44 (0)1342 410 505

Unit 1, Bulrushes Farm
Coombe Hill Road
East Grinstead
West Sussex, RH19 4LZ
T: (+44) 1342 410 505
F: (+44) 1342 410 90

Continuing Study Options

Further Study with the CNM

Students who have completed the Biomedicine, Naturopathy Study, and Naturopathic Practical study Units may opt to study the other specialist diploma courses, Homeopathy, Herbal Medicine, and Naturopathic Nutrition.

Degrees

CNM has developed an exclusive alliance with Charles Sturt University (CSU) in New South Wales, Australia, which allows CNM students and graduates to enrol into the Bachelor of Health Science Degree (Complementary Medicine). The CSU Degree programme is a distance learning course which starts each February and can be completed in 1 or 2 years. CSU offers the further opportunity for ongoing study to obtain a Master’s Degree, or a PH.D. in Complementary Medicine.

Charles Stuart University is Australia’s leading distance learning University, being responsible for the on-line education of over 28,000 students. CSU was awarded a "University of the Year" award in Australia, for its nationally recognised ability to reflect the needs of today’s society, and responsiveness to the need for life-long learning in a changing world.

Applications must be completed by the end of November; please contact us for more information. Students must have completed their CNM course before being issued with a CSU degree.